Angie McCartney and Denny Seiwell
Denny Seiwell (born July 10, 1943) is an American drummer and a founding member of Paul McCartney‘s band Wings. He also drummed for Billy Joel and Liza Minnelli and played in the scores for the films Waterworld, Grease II, and Vertical Limit. His drumming was used in TV shows like Happy Days and Knots Landing.
Seiwell was born and raised in Lehighton, Pennsylvania, the son of Donald Seiwell and Fay Carrigan. He is a graduate of Lehighton High School and was a member of the first Carbon County Band in 1961. After graduating from high school, Seiwell enlisted in the United States Navy, in the rate of Musician, playing in the Navy Band. He moved to New York City and caught the eye of Paul McCartney, who recruited him to be in his band Wings. Seiwell eventually moved to Los Angeles, where he resides.
Denny Seiwell – Drums and Percussion
When the music is great, and the artists at play are the tops in their field, Denny Seiwell is there! In a career that has travelled from the intimacy of New York’s most respected jazz clubs, to Rock’s biggest stadiums to countless sessions in the studio, Denny has proven himself one of the most respected musicians at work today.
Denny was 5 years old when his father introduced him to the drums; he turned professional musician while barely a teenager. A stint with the Navy Jazz Band after high school led to a year’s assignment in Chicago under the tutelage of the great Roy Knapp, legendary teacher to such masters as Buddy Rich and Louie Bellson.
Then came New York where Denny’s first job took him to the famed Half Note Jazz club playing with the Zoot Sims/Al Cohn Quintet. From there a string of studio work which established him as the Big Apple’s Premiere session Drummer.
Having played with the crËme de la crËme of the Jazz elite, Denny’s Rock-n-Roll resume is no less envious, beginning with an invitation from Paul McCartney to move to London and become a founding member of the post-Beatles phenomenon “WINGS.” Denny also toured with Wings playing on many of that era’s biggest hits, “My Love” and the Oscar nominated “Live and Let Die” to name a few. Other Highlights of Denny’s London years included work with Joe Cocker, Donovan, and The Who with the London Symphony Orchestra in their ground breaking version of the Rock Opera “Tommy.”
Denny’s Signature Drumming can be heard on records by Art Garfunkel, James Brown, Astrud Gilberto, Deniece Williams, Janis Joplin’s posthumus Farewell Song album, Billy Joel’s “Cold Spring Harbor” and McCartney’s “Ram”, “Wildlife” and “Red Rose Speedway” albums.
While playing on some of LA’s most prestigious TV and Film dates, his passion for music, his human spirit, his training and abilities have earned him the reputation as one of the industry’s most respected drummers.
For more information please visit: http://www.dennyseiwell.com/bio.php
